Russian Culture

Introduction

Russia is not something you understand with your mind. To have any understanding of the logic or culture of Russia, you need to feel her soul, her history, and her people.

Living the Russian Way is designed to give the student a glimpse at a completely different life perspective and way of thinking. I am not focused on historical or political debates, as many Russians are not. Part of Russian thinking is that these things cannot really be answered. Plus, it is better to make such discussions in the privacy of your home with a couple of good friends and a bottle of something intoxicating.

In other culture classes there is a focus in polite and “cultural” Russian culture, but this not such a course. I will not be talking about the Bolshoi Theater or traditional singing, but rather real people and living culture. This course will be challenging, not necessarily in the material, but it will challenge your perceptions about life. This challenge is the point behind cultural adaption. It will be challenging because you will begin to enter into and try to feel out the elusive and mysterious Russian soul.

This course will give you an overview two periods of Russian history (real history and myth) and lead up to present-day modern Russia. In each section the focus is on talking about and dispelling the myths and propaganda surrounding Russia, to create a clearer picture of the life and times of her people. Russian history is closely related to the present in the minds of her people. In each lesson, along with some history, there will be stories and/or articles explaining some part of the Russian world, and there will practical applications of these ideas.

The author educates the student about the realities and myths surrounding Russia. The sharing of the author’s insider knowledge is extremely enlightening and I realize that I missed out on learning about a vibrant, interesting culture.
Tami Brady